Hans Stegeman’s Post

Yesterday in French in Le monde, today in English in The Guardian, same point: the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) works to inform European environmental policies, in line with people's priorities: Climate change and environmental degradation come 2nd and 3rd as main European concerns (behind the cost of living); 62% of farmers believe that the ecological transition is a necessity. And yet, throughout Europe, the only response to the protests organised (and instrumentalised) in recent weeks consists of reversing key climate and environmental policies (Nature Restauration Law, pesticide regulations, Common Agricultural Policy, Due Diligence, the deforestation regulation), arguing that environmental standards are now a burden that should be dispensed with. This goes against ALL existing knowledge about what our lifestyle and that of our children will be like in the future. We are literally shooting ourselves in the foot and the worst thing is that people are perfectly aware of it, including (perhaps especially) farmers. All this because current left-wing and right-wing European political forces are completely paralysed by the populist movement. Once again, aligning with visionless, populist demands does not weaken this movement, on the contrary it legitimises it, it bolsters it !! A just economic, environmental AND social transition is possible. But for the upcoming European elections, we need politicians with the lucidity and courage to promote a realistic and enticing vision of our future, short and long-term. Let’s get to work Ursula von der Leyen, Manfred Weber, Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament, European People's Party, Renew Europe, The Greens/EFA in the European Parliament, The Left in the European Parliament. #climate #biodiversity #justtransition #EUelections #EUelections2024 #politics #europe #environment #vote #green #farmersprotests #farmers #protests #brussels #EU https://lnkd.in/eAzNjbah  

The European Court of Human Rights has a busy period ahead. The 'Swiss Grannies Victory' today will make politicians & policy makers alike reconsider. More courage & better communication & education, should have supplemented the GreenDeal, which according to the European Climate Risk Assessment is not even enough. When the "minority interest group of 'The Currently Living'" do not agree with the #GreenDeal, that has nothing to do with democracy, where the 'Majority of Humanity' (those not yet born) is not considered. The Iroquois tribe, already before our Middle Ages had the 7 Generations Principle, where they considered the impact of their decisions in the next 7 generations. This 'Essence of Common Sense' has clearly not yet taken root in our ideas of democracy. Now only a 3 Arch-bridge 🌉 can lead to a liveable future for Humanity: 1 - Collateral damage to focus the mind 2 - Climate education so that citizens understand the effects of their ABC: Actions, Behaviour & Choices 3 - #ActiveCooling to peak-shave the looming heat-overshoot and avoid Hot House Earth conditions setting in. Some young people get this better than so called seasoned leaders: https://lnkd.in/e37mHNXq

The passage of the new nature restoration bill is a positive step forward, but it is only one part of the solution to the climate crisis and biodiversity loss. More must be done to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect endangered species, and conserve natural habitats. However, the bill is a significant step in the right direction, and it could help to make Europe a more sustainable and resilient continent. #ClimateChange #restoration #conservation #sustainability #europe

Thoughtful, thought-provoking post here by Antoine Oger of Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP). It was my pleasure to have a chance to speak at and particpate in the #Think2030 conference a week and a half ago in Brussels. The event was organised under the auspices of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2024, coordinated by IEEP and pulled together an array of impressive panels in which experts earnestly grappled with what it will take to ensure a resilient future for the European Green Deal. I left with hope and with heightened awareness of how much careful thought and hard work lie ahead. As one of the speakers noted there is no negotiating with climatary boundaries. Like it or not, politically convenient or not, policies that increase sustainability in the agricultural and food sectors are needed in the #EU, in the #US and around the world. It won’t be easy, but we must collectively and individually arrive at the right spot for future life on the planet to be viable. There is much more support in the public and among farmers for increased #sustainability than has been credited in recent months among many EU policy makers. That needs to change lest they risk throwing the baby out with the bath water. At Think2030, I heard many, really salient assessments of some of the ways the approaches taken over the past several years fell short of what was needed to provide technical support and financial support to farmers and also ideas on how to improve on those fronts. What is clear is that the path forward will not be a one-size-fits-all exercise, nor will it be a straight shot to success. The transition must involve input from and engagement of farmers, and in addition to providing support during the transition, it must provide positive future prospects for them, their children and rural communities. In addition to The Guardian editorial Antoine shared, he mentioned that a similar piece ran in Le Monde yesterday. It, too, is worth a read: https://lnkd.in/e3RaJ6yW Link to Think2030: https://think2030.eu #EUGreenDeal #justtransition #sustainableagriculture #futureoffarming #farmersforthefuture #lifteveryboat

European policies are in the hands of the agricultural and food industry. Evidently they are able to bring in the votes that European and national politicians need to keep their jobs. The Green Deal is turning from a revolutionary plan into an issue to be swept under the carpet even though citizens want it and the environment needs it. But considering the global perspective, abandoning this plan also means betraying UN commitments on the protection of biodiversity. We pride ourselves as Europeans on being leaders in promoting green policies but when it comes to action, we hide behind a few tractors. https://lnkd.in/dYFijv5N

Another disappointing news came from the EU Council when it decided to cancel the vote on EU nature restoration laws last week. The rationale for the cancellation is clear: gaining time to convince eight member states who withdrew their support after years of negotiation and the approval from the EU Parliament in Feb. A quick reminder - the Nature Restoration Law sets a target for the EU to restore at least 20% of its land and sea areas by 2030, with a commitment to restoring all ecosystems in need by 2050.  Let's hope that short-term political aims will not overshadow mid- to long-term climate objectives and our right to have a sustainable future, as the impact of climate change is becoming more visible in the air we breathe and the food we consume. #eunaturerestoration #climatechange #foodsecurity #longtermimpact https://lnkd.in/efvqNSC7

In 2024, Europe will vote. 🗳️ To achieve the 2030 targets of the European Green Deal and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), newly elected representatives must design and implement measures to protect people, animals, and nature. The European Vegetarian Union has just published their Plant-Based Manifesto addressing the newly elected officials who will take office in the upcoming 2024 term. We support the Plant-Based Manifesto urging elected officials to show leadership and drive ambitious action for a sustainable future in all EU states. Read the manifesto here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e8pz3zuS #ProVeg #PlantBasedManifesto #EUElections #EuropeanUnion #Manifesto

Interesting paper #CAP #vision #participation #farmers #environmentalist #policymakers https://lnkd.in/gBdN9Z3c "There is a need to move progressively to a system of public support for land management that provides environmental services and public goods, so meeting environmental and other societal goals." "The types of schemes funded could include more traditional action/practice-based schemes along with alternative approaches such as result-based schemes for biodiversity14 and landscape level approaches. "  "Enhanced engagement between policy makers and farmers and other stakeholders, both in the food chain and in the environmental community, needs to begin early and be maintained at different levels from the local to the European."

Our public policies need to create economic incentives for sustainability. Learn more about how in this great article. #EarthDay